Local Poet Releases First Collection of Autobiographical Poems

Walton County - The Emerald Coast Philosophical Society invites you to attend a book signing by local poet and author Francois-Marie Benard, this Sunday afternoon.

Benard, who now lives in South Walton, was born near Madagascar in the Indian Ocean. He is a descendent of French royalty who had fled there to escape the revolution. And that is just the beginning of his fascinating story. He eventually moved to New York, then Los Angeles to pursue a career in acting.

Among many other roles, he starred in the mini-series "Scruples" with Lindsay Wagner. You might recognize him from his work on "Charlie's Angels," "Darkroom" and "Dynasty." His wife Jo Ann starred on one life to live for six years.

All these unique life experiences are chronicled in his autobiographical collection of poems titled "The Dream of Life." "You can be successful and make tons of money, but it won't make you happy. What will make you happy is to find inner peace, that is what I am trying to do for people, that is the essence of who I am as a poet," said Benard.

You can hear many more of his works this Sunday at the Tops'l banquet room in Walton County. There is limited seating, the event begins at 3pm. There will be a book signing and a party following. If you'd like to buy his collection of poems just click on the link.

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